Considering that this and First Class were the two best X-men movies, I'm okay with cutting those losses and retconning. Hey, it's not like comic books don't retcon all the freaking time, right?

I actually think the best movie is still X-2, followed by this new series.

Everyone says that, but I really didn't care about X-2. It was good, I guess, but I certainly can't place it as "best".

That's how I feel about the new one. It was good, but not "best" :P

Heh, sorry, I was planning a more impressive (or at least explanatory) post but my time got cut off.

I liked the action in it enough (certainly the bits about Phoenix, Magneto doing his awesome escape, and Lady Deathstrike [looking one million times hotter than in the comic and getting an equally devastating death]), but the basic plot just didn't feel complicated enough to move me or remain memorable. It felt more like an extension of the first film, just instead of making everyone a mutant (a grand/complicated task on paper if there ever was one), it just turned into a "kill 'em all" using a psychic. Eh.Still, the performances were as good as ever, and the effects have always been good.

Along with what Dincrest said, as a whole, I think the new series is a bit stronger than the old 3. I'm really looking forward to Apocalypse's entrance though.

The first movie, 5 years ago, was such a wonderful surprise. I was pretty happy when they announced that a sequel was coming, but kept my expectations in check. I really don't allow myself to get to excited about any movie until reviews start showing up. The first trailer for this was weak, and left me worried that they didn't know how to follow up the original. I'm happy to say that they succeeded quite well! They pushed the story forward 5 years, which I think was a smart move, story-wise, as the characters are now all young adults(+/- 20?). The movie looks amazing, and has all sorts of dragon flying, which helps to show off the world better. Hiccups mom is an awesome character, and added a lot to the story. Unfortunately, though, there was very little character development outside of her, Hiccup, and Stoic. The surrounding characters all kind of act the same as they did 5 years ago, except now they are love crazy. I found this a bit overdone and annoying, but it didn't really hurt the movie. I was surprised how emotional some of the scenes were! Totally caught me off guard. was it as good as the first? I'll have to think on that for a bit. It's definitely a great movie, though, and I very much recommend. it.

= The first film was indeed that "pleasant surprise" out of Dreamworks (who otherwise have...a not so hot reputation more often than not). The sequel is great and "worthy" of the series.

= There's less bad than good in this, and i can summarize it quickly... So on a quick negative: The first movie had a TON of heart, and a great sense of character/plot growth and development... This was more an established world and throws you right into the action and at a high pace. Good in some respects, but creates quite the contrast with the first title; a lot more feels like it's happening and I'm not sure the balance they strike really works... It emphasizes certain scenes but makes a mess of the plot progression.

= Also, while I know this is a family movie, I did get annoyed that most violence had the camera change shots so you couldn't see it. Sound effects for said violence was either hushed or muted entirely. I get why, but c'mon... I don't think our youth are THAT sensitive. Still, I did like that even FOR a Family film, the plot and humour is never really too cheesy and there is really NO groan-worthy moments. The one duet that starts with Stoic and his wifey becomes much more uplifting (unlike say a Disney tune that keep the mellow beat and romantic vibe the entire two-three minutes). Well done!

= Music is *amazing*. John Powell killed it the first time around and similarly made an up beat, Scottish-sounding, and wonderful soundtrack. I was oddly fond of the Powell/Jønsi mix as well that starts somewhat like dance music but combines the orchestrated version of the main theme quite nicely http://youtu.be/HHOwYqxBbWU

= To counter that, I *loved* the "new world" of Humans x Dragons that we see; the five year gap works really well. The new technologies are both fun and interesting and it works to see Hiccup (who was more of an "inventor" than warrior amongst his Viking clan)... and yeah, motherfucking fire sword. Hiccup takes a level in how to be a badass and also "Neville Longbottomed".. The character models look wonderful, they aged nicely and are made with a lot of cartoon love and respect for variety (i.e.; unlike how Frozen's leading ladies look almost EXACTLY like Rapunzel from Tangled...). This was especially important in the fun and interesting Dragon designs where none two are alike and all look unique for some feature they embody.

= New character additions aren't bad either. Eret is played by Kit Harrington (aka "You know nothin' Jon Snow") the good/bad guy, Cate Blanchett plays Hiccups long lost mum (who is both commanding and vulnerable), and Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond, Gladiator) as the main villain... a frightening but frighteningly under-developed and trope-y villain.... ah well.

= Grim didn't care for the love plot; I kind of agree, but I liked the goofy resolution (because it's true) :P Ironically, the main couple from the first film (Astrid x Hiccup) get little screentime; but I did like what/when they shared the time together.

= One thing I liked was how the first (and this) film focus a lot on "how dragons live", their sort of nuances, customs and behaviours --- I like that this film also touches on what humans do (Stoic and Valka doing a jig; the viking funeral, etc.).

= Hah... crazy cat dragon lady. :P

= I think background gags are hilarious and painfully underused. This movie had a few where characters are talking, usually about something serious, and something amusing is happening in the background.

= Anyways, it must be said too; the cinematography is absolutely *amazing*. Shots are carefully framed, assuming because they took every liberty to match the storyboard artist's visions. The colour is both vivid and realistic, using atmospheric depth to demonstrate how big scenery is (which works when your plot is about dragons). A scene with Valka, brilliantly armored, standing on her Dragon and an even larger one consuming the background drives the art direction to glorify scenes just through merely a good set up.